From: Jean  [email protected]
Date: Fri Dec 22, 2000 10:09pm
Subject: When Escaflowne rescued Trilladen chapter 14


Sorry this took so long.  I've been putting together a new web page 
and also watching six kids for the last three weeks.  I love kids, 
but I NEED SOME SANITY NOW!!!  If you haven't read this on my new 
site or fanfiction.net then here it is.  


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Chapter 14: Bad tidings
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Destroyer soared high into the sky in playful circles. His feral mind 
was stuck on the pictures that Mugwa implanted into it. He flew high 
above the Vast Waters of Violence. His scaly wings hissed and thopped 
as they flapped through thermals that hoisted his feline body ever 
closer to the edge of heaven's gate. As soon as he was high enough to 
avoid the dangers of the sea he headed west to the shores of Zaibach. 
He was hungry again.
**************
Mantuka was growing concerned with his sweet girl of a patient. He 
knew she was phasing out and in, regardless of her surroundings. He 
noticed that she would unconsciously do disturbing things when she 
was entranced into what must be a terrible personal hell. 

The other day he caught her sitting in the library in a trance like 
state, just staring off into space, yet she was slowly ripping paper 
out of the open book before her on the table. He noticed further that 
she was just listening to the sound of the paper as it was slowly, 
painstakingly pulled from its binder. It was as if the sound of a 
tare itself motivated her to destroy the rare book. Indeed, he noted 
that the book was from the famous healer Windrake of Ispania who had 
specialized in the manipulation of the mind and body, as well as duo 
personality disorders.

Fearful of startling her, he slowly walked up to Celena speaking in 
soft hushed tones to soothe her as if she were a spooked mare. As if 
pulling a lever she snapped out of it and seemed quite surprised to 
see a mound of torn paper on her lap. She looked up inquisitively at 
her healer and he knelt down by her side and took the hand. She rose 
from her seat and allowed him to lead her out of the library. Later, 
Mantuka returned to the library and collected her mess and began to 
sort out the pieces of the puzzle. Clearly the books she chose to 
destroy related to her prognosis, perhaps even hinted at a lasting 
cure.

Today was different though. Today Celena seemed almost serene. 
Mantuka and his close friend Mortimer sat on a fallen log at the edge 
of the forest watching happily as she collected bark from the Willow 
tree. It was a much needed respite from the worries he harbored for 
her of late. Mantuka sighed dreamily as he drank in her beautiful 
form. His gaze did not go unnoticed, however.

"You know, Mantuka, the others are beginning to whisper quietly 
amongst themselves. They see your close tender caring of Celena as a 
retreat from better judgement." Mortimer plowed right in.

Good old Mortimer. Never did mince words, did you. "I can't help how 
people perceive our patient to healer relationship. Celena's case is 
very unique. Are you sure 'the others' as you so mysteriously put it 
are not simply jealous that her case was assigned to me? After all, 
it is a great opportunity to document and learn from her treatment 
and recovery. It's very prestigious." Mantuka countered just as 
bluntly.

"Of course they are! I'm jealous myself. The only thing that keeps me 
from really despising you is that out of all of us, you seem to be 
the most willing to work the hardest, and it's out of true love for 
the nut cases we deal with on an everyday basis. Really, sometimes I 
just can't wait for holiday!" Mortimer peevishly whined.

Mantuka was about to give a witty rebuttal to his old chum when a 
shadow swept past Mortimer's body. Confused and curious, Mantuka 
looked up, but the high sun blinded his eyes. This was a merciful 
grace from the gods. It goes much better for a gentleman not to see 
moments before his horrible death what is going to happen to him. 

Destroyer opened his huge jaws, swooped down and bit off Mantuka's 
head as if he was a field mouse. As blood splurted and gushed in 
rhythmically out from his bloody neck, Mortimer fainted dead away, 
which ironically saved his life. The griffin wasn't really hungry. It 
was just looking for some sport before going after its real prey. 
Celena strolled aimlessly around the great trunk of the Willow tree. 
Occasionally here and there she would strip a band of bark off and 
carry on as if her lazy stroll was really the dance of a fairie. Her 
basket swayed to and fro as both hands clutched it in front of her 
white summer frock. Her mother's lullaby drifted into and out of her 
mind as she waited for the voice to come back. Today, she would fight 
it, she resolved. Today she would make it go away once and for all.

A shadow flew with her on the ground. A great mythical creature from 
days long gone. She skipped and leaped around the shadow with wings 
laughing like a child at play. Suddenly her shoulders felt a sharp 
stinging pain and her thighs as well. She felt fangs clamp down on 
either side of her neck, not piercing her skin, but badly indenting 
it. The pain made her cry out. Out of her reverie she screamed for 
Mantuka, but he did not answer. She smelled blood and rotting flesh 
on the hot breath of the beast on the back of her neck and fainted.

Dillandau, like a famished vampire smelling his first feast in 
centuries, woke up. He struggled with the claws on his shoulders and 
thighs and cursed the stupid garment that offered no protection 
against the onslaught of sharp teeth and fangs. Glancing down at the 
ground below he saw his shadowy form being spirited away by a winged 
creature. A griffin! A griffin had him! Why hadn't the creature just 
devoured him? Where was he being taken? Dillandau smelled high 
adventure in the air, relished the pain being given to him so 
generously by the beautiful mythical beast and chuckled to himself. 
Time for fun!

**************
A carrier transit speeded briskly towards Fanelia's capital. Gaddess 
waited impatiently for his arrival. Much news to give Allen Schezar, 
sorry news to grieve Allen's soul, no less. Gaddess had bags and dark 
circles under his eyes. In all the years of soldiering under Allen, 
he never wanted to be the bearer of such bad news. 

The carrier engines whined and slowed down as it made tactical 
maneuvers around the flying fortress. Gaddes scowled knowing who 
helmed the craft. He would not lay eyes upon the face of the turn-
coat for any reason for the rest of his life! Gaddes spat in the 
direction of the fortress and then turned his back on it in utter 
disgust. Politics!

Coming to a landing in the Palace courtyard, Gaddes was greeted by a 
friendly Van. He's in high spirits, observed the captain of the 
guard. 

"Gaddes, it is good to see you, old friend. I'm afraid I can't tell 
you where Allen is. He's been skulking about hounding the young 
prince, no doubt. You should see the change in your old war boss! 
He's definitely acquired a strange affinity for the a fore mentioned 
royal, which of course, is utterly reciprocated!" Van slapped Gaddes 
on the back and winked at him. "I haven't stopped giving him a hard 
time since Prince Edward saved Allen's life. He's probably going to 
beat me senseless for all my teasing!" Van laughed.

"You are certainly in a good mood for a man who just got his kingdom 
attacked by a griffin a month ago." Gaddes remarked.

"I'm getting married to the most difficult woman who ever walked the 
face of Gaea! Be afraid for me, and pity me too, if you please!" Van 
gave him a shit- eating grin.

Gaddes tried to laugh, but his somber mood soaked through the 
atmosphere surrounding the two friends. Van stopped and looked at 
Gaddess wondering why he had no sense of humor today. 

"I'm sorry, your Highness. I just have terrible tidings to give to 
Allen's ears alone. I must find him. I am happy for you and your 
bride to be. If it's who I think it is, I pity her." Gaddes smiled a 
small grin in an effort to lighten his mood for the jovial king.

It didn't take. Van looked serious immediately as worry darkened his 
already dark features. "I think you should look in Prince Edward's 
private quarters for him. I'll have Rainfield take you around to help 
you in your search." Van gestured for the short fat squire to assist 
the good captain.

As Gaddes left the courtyard, a grizzly cackling witch of a woman 
bellowed to Van. "Just what kind of reception is this to give a 
healer-a much needed healer!? Here now, you snotty-nosed king, take 
my arm and lead me with some dignity into the palace walls. Fine, 
they are indeed. Trying to impress the ladies? See any action?" It 
was Helliese, off the same carrier as Gaddes. She glanced slyly at 
Van, her heart swelled with affection for him.

Van coughed out a laugh, turning crimson. He loved this old hag to no 
end, but she always knew far too much. "I have just one maiden in 
mind, since you must know."

"Great, let's meet her. I warn you though, if I don't like her, I'll 
turn her into a rabid little ferret." Helliese wobbled widely as she 
walked. Her white robes dragging in the dirt behind her. Her old 
familiar medicinal smell wafted to Van's nostrils and he grinned and 
slowly shook his head reminiscing. 

As they slowly made their way into the great hall of the Palace, 
Helliese put two fingers to her mouth and let out a loud high pitched 
whistle. The teaming castle walls came to an abrupt halt. Van coughed 
and seemingly cleared his throat and looked up through heavily hooded 
eyes as the gentry and servants alike that were perchance within 
earshot looked up at the odd couple.

Helliese yelled out her announcement to no one in particular. "I'm 
only gonna be here for a few days! I'm tired and cranky and if you 
don't really need my services, don't bug me! I didn't sleep a wink 
all month long listening to the horny howls of dragons in heat. 

Damned annoying creatures." She wobbled on again. Van was laughing 
outright in front of her as her feebly tried to escort her to her 
rooms.

As they made their way to the corridor that led to the private 
bedchambers, Van caught Hitomi's eyes as she was leaving Yukari's 
room. "Hitomi, wait, I wish to speak with you!" Van called out.
Hitomi stood still, hands clasped meekly in front of her, her head 
bent down. She looked ill. Van scowled with concern. "I want you to 
meet Helliese. She's a healer. Yukari told me you weren't at 
breakfast this morning because you felt ill. I think, Helliese, you 
have your first patient." Van turned to Helliese. 

Helliese studied Hitomi's face and how she carried herself. "Look at 
me, child." She barked at her.

Startled, Hitomi quickly looked up and met the old hag's eyes. What 
Hitomi saw was kindness and humor and concern. What Helliese saw was 
a tormented child, descendant of Atlantis. Helliese clucked her 
tongue.

"So when's the wedding?" She demanded of Van.

Instantly annoyed, Van shouted, "I haven't even discussed it with 
Hitomi yet. Do you think you could ruin any more surprises?"

"Sure I can. She's pregnant and has morning sickness. Obviously 
you're the father. I'm old, but I remember, and I'm not stupid. Oh, 
didn't know, did ya? Well you shouldn't have asked. Sorry, girl, but 
it's obvious you're being daft about the whole thing. I'll find out 
why later. And you, you leave her alone for the next two weeks!" She 
waved her finger at Van like he was bratty child getting ready to be 
spanked.

Van's face went white from the shock, and then purple from rage. "How 
dare you speak to me like that! I am the king of..."

"I dare, all right. I delivered your sorry butt into this war torn 
world. Cried hard tears when I couldn't save your mother. Cussed up a 
storm at your father every chance I could, the man was so stubborn 
and daft-like you. And now if you want me to save your baby, you'll 
do just as I say-to the letter! Your majesty. Now scoot! This girl is 
suffering fierce and I mean to put a stop to it." Helliese jabbed 
away at Van until he left. 

That old witch needs to spend some time in the dungeon under lock and 
key. As if that would keep her! Van sighed knowing this battle was 
lost. My Hitomi! With child! My child! Our child! Why didn't she tell 
me? His heart sank as he realized that Hitomi hadn't trusted him with 
the news. Walking slowly, head low he entered the great hall and 
heard the loudest, ear-piercing, earth shattering, wail of anguish 
and rage he had ever heard.

Immediately responding to the urgency Van took off running to the 
direction the sound came from. He ran out into the training field and 
found Allen balled up on the ground. His tears baptized the dirt 
under his face that looked more grief stricken than Van ever had seen 
on anyone's face. Kneeling beside Allen and hugging his shoulders, 
weeping copiously was Prince Edward.

High anxiety tore through the young king. He ran over to Allen and 
knelt down on the other side of him. "ALLEN! WHAT IS IT!" Van put his 
hands on Allen's back. Just then Allen sprang to life throwing his 
wife and his best friend to the ground. He got up and strode quickly 
to where the swords lay in a pile in the training field. He lifted 
one up off the pile and strode out of the field, into the general 
courtyard and out the palace gates. All the while being heralded by 
his entourage of worried friends.

"I'M GOING TO KILL HIM! I WON'T REST UNTIL I SEE HIS BLOOD! WHO IS 
THIS MUGWA THAT USES EVIL BEASTS TO DO HIS DIRTY WORK FOR HIM? 
CELENA!" 

Allen's tears and voice rocked the valley beyond. In the distance a 
land dragon howled in response to the challenge. He stumbled and 
fell, nearly impaling himself. He landed hard in the dirt and cried 
like a baby. Edwina ran up to him and grabbed a hold of him and held 
him, rocking him and whispering words in his ears. Like the life-line 
that she was to him he grabbed her and held her back and wailed into 
her chest. Her small bosom offering the only soft comfort he could 
understand. 

Van was too worried to be embarrassed to see two males in such an 
intimate embrace. He would never have guessed that Allen was really 
holding his bride. He just didn't understand the relationship growing 
between these two. Right now, he didn't care. Prince Edward seemed to 
be calming him down.

Behind Van, Gaddes walked up and looked completely shocked at the 
scene. He saw that the lad was wearing the signet ring of the Schezar 
family and did a double take. What the hell is going on?

"Allen, what happened? How can I help you when I don't know what's 
going on?" Van asked.

Edwina looked up at Van and Van fell to his knees in shock! "You're a 
woman!" He accused.

Just then Allen looked at Van and said fiercely, "She's my woman! And 
she's no longer a virgin, which means Mugwa can't use her for human 
sacrifice. Just like your Hitomi, Van." And just then his pain seeped 
through and more tears drenched his face. "But why does he want my 
sister?" Again he began to sob and rock into Edwina's embrace.

Finally understanding, Van's eyes opened wide. "We must leave 
immediately. I will talk to Folken, myself. The flying fortress will 
have to be completed by tomorrow with its disguise. Where's Merle?"

Getting up with new purpose, he began walking quickly back to his 
beloved keep, barking orders and feeling very angry himself. As if 
Celena hasn't through enough because of Dornkirk!
**************